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Laundry day at the circus |
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Circus cookhouse |
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Kids on the King Bros. Circus |
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Do you want to learn to speak the circus language? |
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| Learn More at our Circus Book Store |
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Storm aftermath |
A circus is a small town that moves from one place of exhibition to the next, once described as "a city without a zip code". Most circuses provide their own electrical power, large circuses have their own schools, cafes, convenience stores, laundry and even pastors to deliver Sunday services.
The term circus is often confused with carnival, however they are very different businesses and cultures. A circus is an autonomous business owned by one individual or corporation. A carnival consist of independent concessionaires and ride owners who may book onto many different shows during a season. On a circus you will find tents, trapeze artist, lions, tigers, elephants and clowns. On a carnival there are mechanical amusem*nt rides and games of chance. Yes they both sell cotton candy.
In years past most circuses and still today many circuses move every day, that's 7 towns a week 2 performances a day. From the opening in spring until the close in late fall there usually no days off. You will rarely hear of a show person taking a sick day, the old adage"the show must go on"certainly applies to circus people.
The circus life is not an easy one. There are storms, cold, heat, mud, long jumps, wrecks, injury and months away from home. Yet with all this against us if you ask any life long showmen the question, why do you do it, why not find another job? They will answer "what and give up show business!". We do it for a love of the business, of the traditions, of the culture and a love of the circus.
Growing Up on the Circus
I can't think of another environment that has the learning opportunities as does the circus. Imagine being in a different town everyday. Your backyard changes Dailey from mountains, to deserts, to cities or to oceans. Your playmates are from different countries, have different languages and cultures. Where else at a kids birthday party would you find midgets, giants magicians and clowns and not have to pay for them to be there.
Schooling is very important on the road, some circuses may have professional teachers on other shows kids will be home-schooled by a parent or designated person. The curriculum and progress is monitored closely by either a family's hometown school authority or a certified correspondence school such as Calvert Schools of Baltimore, MD., (a favorite choice of many show parents).
The family unit is very strong on a circus. You live together, work together and eat together daily, you are never more than a few hundred feet away from your family. The show itself becomes a parent with everyone looking after the show kids.
Kids learn good work ethics early on circuses, everyone has chores or duties that must be performed daily. Children of performers like to imitate their parents, so often kids learn circus acts very young and on their own. Playtime can actually becomes training for circus children's future careers.
 | Did You Know, Circus people use arrows placed along highways to guide them from town to town. Each circus has its own arrow design and color. "Don't blow the arrows"means don't get lost. |
Circus Arrows
The Down Side
When patrons watch a circus performer walking on a thin wire forty feet above the ground, they may think there are many injuries and even deaths due to performing mishaps, but that is far from the truth. Circus performers are professionals, they have perfected their acts from many years of experience an practice. Performing accidents are extremely rare.
There are dangers associated with being on the road, the most common would be strong storms. A circus tent is no place to be in a thunderstorm or high winds. Many a circus has had to end their season early due to losing a big top and equipment due to storms. Showpeople monitor the weather closely and know when dangerous conditions may arise. Everyone raised in the business knows their first obligation is to the audience and to their safety. In the event of an emergency you would see all show personell, performers, clowns, concessionaires, managers, EVERYONE ushering people to safety.
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Circus Pastor James Percy blessing the Hoxie Bros fleet. |
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Birthday party on a circus |
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Circus performers' water buckets waiting to be filled by the "water wagon", |
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| Circus "Blow Down" |
As a lifelong enthusiast and insider in the world of circuses, I can attest to the rich tapestry of experiences and unique lifestyle that defines the circus community. Growing up in the circus environment has afforded me unparalleled learning opportunities and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in this captivating world.
One of the fundamental concepts central to the circus lifestyle is the idea that a circus is essentially a traveling town. Described as "a city without a zip code," a circus is a mobile community that moves from one exhibition site to another. This nomadic existence is characterized by a self-sufficient infrastructure, with circuses providing their own electricity, schools, cafes, convenience stores, laundry facilities, and even pastors for Sunday services.
The distinction between a circus and a carnival is crucial. While both involve entertainment, a circus is typically an autonomous business owned by an individual or corporation. On the other hand, a carnival consists of independent concessionaires and ride owners who may join various shows during a season. The circus features iconic elements such as tents, trapeze artists, wild animals, and clowns, whereas carnivals are known for mechanical rides and games of chance.
The daily life of circus performers is marked by constant movement, with most circuses moving to a new town every day, totaling seven towns a week and two performances a day. This demanding schedule, spanning from spring to late fall, rarely allows for days off, and the commitment to the motto "the show must go on" is unwavering.
The circus experience is not without its challenges, including facing storms, extreme weather conditions, mud, long jumps, accidents, injuries, and extended periods away from home. Yet, the enduring love for the business, its traditions, and the unique circus culture keeps lifelong showmen dedicated to their craft.
For children growing up on the circus, the lifestyle provides unparalleled learning opportunities. Constantly changing backdrops, diverse playmates from different countries, and exposure to various languages and cultures create an enriching environment. Education is a priority, with some circuses having professional teachers, while others opt for home-schooling by parents or designated individuals.
The circus becomes a tightly-knit family unit, where individuals live, work, and eat together. Children of performers often learn circus acts from a young age, with playtime serving as training for their future careers. The sense of responsibility and work ethic is instilled early, as everyone, including children, has daily chores or duties.
Interestingly, circus people use a unique navigation system with arrows along highways to guide them from town to town, each circus having its own arrow design and color. A commonly known phrase among circus folk is "Don't blow the arrows," emphasizing the importance of not getting lost on the road.
Contrary to the perception that circus performers face constant danger, accidents are remarkably rare. Professionals hone their acts over years of experience and practice. However, the true risks lie in external factors, with storms being a significant threat. Circus tents are vulnerable to severe weather conditions, and many seasons have ended prematurely due to the loss of tents and equipment. Safety remains a top priority, with show personnel diligently monitoring weather conditions and prioritizing audience safety in emergencies.
In summary, the circus world is a unique and challenging environment, marked by a strong sense of community, tradition, and an enduring love for the captivating spectacle that is the circus.
